PADRES FINALLY HAD THEIR OWN HOME

In 1996, after more than three decades of sharing an aging Qualcomm Stadium with the Chargers, the Padres announced plans to build a baseball-only ballpark.

Eight years and multiple delays later, Petco Park opened, and the Padres finally had a place of their own, a $474-million palace with breathtaking sight lines and state-of-the-art amenities.

The first game played at the downtown ballpark, on March 11, 2004, saw San Diego State defeat Houston. Fittingly, Padres great Tony Gwynn was the first winning coach at Petco.

Less than a month later, the Padres played their first season opener at Petco, knocking off the Giants 4-3 in 10 innings.

The milestones since then have piled up: the semifinals and finals of the first World Baseball Classic (2006), Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 755th home run (2007), a 22-inning game against the Rockies (2008), Season 11 auditions for “American Idol” (2011).

Through it all, the Western Metal Supply Co. building in left field continues to weather the steady passage of time. Built in 1909, the brick-faced San Diego historical landmark, which marks the left-field foul pole, was seamlessly incorporated into the construction of Petco. That nod to the area’s industrial past, married with the venue’s innovative design, has helped provide one of baseball’s best fan experiences.